Visit Lake Annecy: full guide

On holiday in Haute-Savoie? Don’t pass next to the unmissable Lake of Annecy! Here is a complete guide to the Lake of Annecy at best!

Passing through the Alps, stop in the attractive city of Annecy! You can only be intoxicated by its charm and its sweetness of living. Its old town, medieval castle, pastel walls and canals make it a wonder of Alpine heritage. Among the tourist attractions, you must visit the Lake of Annecy! Indeed, this true natural jewel is inevitable if you are on holiday in Haute-Savoie. Considered as the most beautiful and pure of Europe Lake Annecy is very busy, especially during the summer season. In this sumptuous setting where majestic mountains mix with crystal clear waters of the lake, many outdoor activities are possible.

We have prepared a comprehensive guide on the various ways to visit Lake Annecy! Whether you're tough, sporty or more peaceful, you'll necessarily find an activity for you. Follow the guide!

1. Hiking around the lake

Would you like to walk at your own pace while enjoying the exceptional setting? So you must absolutely visit Lake Annecy by hiking! Basic and boring? What a fool! Hiking is the best way to discover a region! Indeed, as you step by step, you will take pleasure in hiking! In addition to physical overtaking, hiking offers, in a friendly atmosphere, the possibility of discovering secret and inaccessible places otherwise.

Among the many possible trails you can find:

• The Circuit de la cascade d’Angon (5km)
• Mont Veyrier (12km)
• L’Arête de Taillefer (7km)

Terms and rates

• Visiting Lake Annecy by hiking is, of course, free if you decide to go on the adventure alone. However, be alert to the level of difficulty because some hikes are not accessible to beginners.
• However, if you want to benefit from an experienced instructor who knows the region like that pocket, you will have to count between 15€ and 40€. You will need to premunite with a backpack with bottles of water, a crust break, a suitable clothing depending on the weather and good walking shoes.

2. The electric skate ride

Do you want to visit Lake Annecy in an original way? Why don't you take an electric skate? Surprising and original, this activity requires a good dose of balance and a slight taste of risk. If you like strong sensations (yes, strong sensations because it is a real journey) and slip it, this ride will greatly please you.

However, don’t be afraid, you’re not going to be released into the wild to try to hold on your remote skate as well as bad. A teacher will guide you on the secure routes. 100% ecological, 100% fun and 100% original, the skate is the favourite of the writing!

Terms and rates

• The start of the activity takes place at the following address: Nordic Forest, Nordic Parking, 73230 La Féclaz.
• The activity is accessible at all levels, as it is an initiation and a walk 1h or 2h. Depending on the duration, the price will vary from 35€ to 60€.
• It is only possible to visit Lake Annecy in skateboarding April, May, June, September, October and November.

3. The lake ride by bike

This biking trip (electric or not) is ideal if you want to visit Lake Annecy by doing a little sport. If you are an aguerri·e cyclist, know that it is possible to make the whole lake tour either 42km ! If you only want to take a little walk, it is the ideal activity because, along the slopes, viewers are available to take a break and take pictures.

Terms and rates

• To visit Lake Annecy by bike, you will have to pay off 20€ to 70€ (electric) for one day (9 a.m.-6 p.m.).
• All equipment is provided by the provider including: a quality bike, a helmet, a padlock and a repair kit.

4. The overview of Lake Annecy in paragliding

If you want to visit Lake Annecy in an original and surprising way, opt for a paragliding flight! What better than taking height to admire the immensity and beauty of the place.

The departure is usually at the pass of La Forclaz at an altitude of 1250 m. This is an intense moment, as the take-off takes place from the top of a steep cliff! Comfortably installed in your seat, the birds for your own company, you will hang like an eagle. You will lose the notion of time by overflighting this pretty stretch of blue water dominated by the white limestone walls of the Tournette.

Terms and rates

• For an overview of Lake Annecy in paragliding, prices oscillate between 70€ and 110€ according to the selected options.
• Regardless of the tour operator, you must present yourself 15 minutes before the time schedule set at the landing base. Then we'll explain the security rules and provide you with equipment. Once bet, the more choice you must jump!

5. The walk in pedalo

Want to visit Annecy Lake differently? The pedal is the solution! simple, funny and user-friendly, this is the ideal way to make the lake tour quietly. At two, three, four people, with or without a slide, the pedal is an activity that will please the whole family. If you're tired of pedaling, pick a head in the lake by checking that the others don't leave without you.

After this walk, do not hesitate to tan on the beach.

Terms and rates

• The pedals can accommodate from 1 to 6 people. There are simple ones and others with slide. You have the embarrassment of choice!
• Depending on the chosen model, prices will go from 14€ to 18€ for 30 min and 38€ to 46€ for 2 hours.

6. The boat cruise

Boat enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that, to visit Lake Annecy, you can easily rent one. During the sublime escapade you will discover the wonders of Lake Annecy.

If you prefer to run it soft and enjoy the landscape, know that gastronomic cruises exist. In short, you will find yourself together, with family or friends in a unique and friendly space to enjoy an aperitif.

Terms and rates

• For one classic rental : count about 200€ per hour. At this price, you will benefit from the services of a skipper who will make you discover the lake as someone else.
• For one apéro-bateau : average between 200€ and 300€ the 2 hours. At this price, you will benefit from the services of a skipper who will make you discover the lake as someone else while enjoying a delicious aperitif. Planned activity 5 to 12 persons (tariff unchanged).

7. The via ferrata

You want to challenge yourself and at the same time visit Lake Annecy: opt for via ferrata. Halfway between hiking and climbing, this activity is a good idea to admire the region. In fact, taking on the height, you can admire the lake as well as the green nature or the majestic cliffs.

Among the many possible trails you can find:

• The via ferrata « Yves Pollet-Villard » of the Clusaz
• Via ferrata La Sambuy
• La Via Ferrata de la tooth du Chat

Terms and rates

• You will benefit from an experienced instructor who knows the region like this pocket.
• We'll have to count. between 45€ and 70€.
• You will need to premunite with a backpack with bottles of water, a crust break, a suitable clothing depending on the weather and good walking shoes. Plus, one. sport profile is recommended. Minimum age: 12 years.

8. The trip in 2 resumes

Visit the lake of Annecy in a 2 CV, admit it has a little disappointing charm! For this activity, you will visit Annecy and its surroundings. On the programme: the Passover, the Imperial, the beaches, the surroundings of the old town and of course some stops to see the lake.

The most of the visit is undoubtedly its local aperitif proposed after this little road trip.

Terms and rates

• For 2h road with driver, the price is 165€. It is possible to ride in a maximum capacity group of 12 people or 4 cars.
• Hours vary depending on the month: from September to June (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) tours are offered to 10h, 14h or 16h. For July and August, the frequency is daily (10 a.m.).

9. The baptism of deltaplane

If you want to visit the Lake of Annecy atypically and astonishingly, opt for a deltaplane flight! What better than taking height to discover unique landscapes while having strong sensations. You can admire its greatness and beauty by setting above the lake.

The departure is usually at the pass of La Forclaz at an altitude of 1250 m. This is an intense moment, as the take-off takes place from the top of a steep cliff! Comfortably elongated and scammed to your monitor, you will flat like a bird. Quite smoothly, you will slip into the air above the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy.

Terms and rates

• For an overview of Lake Annecy in paragliding, prices oscillate between 85€ and 150€ according to the selected options.
• Regardless of the tour operator, you must present yourself 15 minutes before the time schedule set at the landing base. Then we'll explain the security rules and provide you with equipment. Once bet, the more choice you must jump!

10. Initiation to the paddle

Have you ever done Stand Up Paddle? Visiting Lake Annecy on a board would be an opportunity to get there! Indeed, stable and foam, this board is ideal to discover a smooth nautical sport. The cruising rhythm you will adopt will allow you to admire the surrounding area. Amazed by the magical scenery around you, still pay attention to the fall!

Terms and rates

• This is a non-coated activity, so it is imperative to know how to swim. In addition, the wearing of the lifejacket is mandatory.
• If minors participate in the activity, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Depending on the duration chosen, prices will go 10€ to 60€.

11. The balloon flight

Neither did the paragliding nor the deltaplane please you to visit Lake Annecy? No panic, there are still mults possibilities to see the lake from above! A balloon tour is a nice alternative that will allow you to admire this breathtaking landscape while floating in the air. In fact, like a feather, you will hover over the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy while your instructor will explain the history of the place.

The plus of the visit is undoubtedly its small snack offered after this mini-travel in the area.

Terms and rates

• For an overview1h in the Annecy Lake balloon, count on average 300€ .
• To participate in the activity you must be old 12 years minimum and measurement more than 1m20. In addition, each balloon includes up to 3 people.
• This activity is practiced 7:00 a.m. to midnight and the meeting point is in the Perroix Artisanal Zone, 74290 Talloires-Montmin.
• Regardless of the tour operator, you must present yourself 15 minutes before the time schedule set at the landing base. Then we'll explain the security rules and provide you with equipment. Once bet, the more choice you have to go!

12. The wakeboard course

Visit Lake Annecy does not necessarily mean hiking or cycling! Indeed, you can also wakeboard! Now we feel motivated! You must admit that this original and playful activity makes you want! If you have never done so, no panic, the tour operators of the region offer initiations. However, prepare yourself for the fall because keeping in balance on a board is not as simple as it seems!

After having equipped and listening to a briefing for a few minutes, throw yourself to the water (in the proper sense of the term)!

Terms and rates

• This is a framed activity, accessible at all levels, but it is imperative to know how to swim. In addition, the wearing of the lifejacket is mandatory.
• It is only possible to visit Lake Annecy in wakeboard between April and November.
• Depending on the selected options, prices will go from 30€ to 300€.

13. Canyoning activity

Do you have a adventurer soul? Canyoning is the perfect activity to make the full of strong sensations while visiting Lake Annecy! Between land and sea, this sporting activity allows you to discover the region as you have never seen before!

Visit the Lac d’Annecy by making canyoning will appeal to the young as well as to the great! In fact, the fun and dizzy route will bring you down from the waterfalls as a reminder, pass through slides, climb walls, swim in the water... in short, you will be guaranteed that in the evening you will not make long fire after a day so rich in emotions!

Terms and rates

• This is an activity of a half day framed, accessible at all levels, however it is imperative to know how to swim.
• It is only possible to visit Lake Annecy in canyoning between April and October.
• Depending on the selected options, prices will go from 40€ to 70€.

14. The trip to ULM

Neither did the paragliding, nor the deltaplane, nor did the balloon please you to visit Lake Annecy? No panic, there is still a way to admire the lake from above! A ULM tour is a nice alternative that will allow you to admire this breathtaking landscape while floating in the air.

Indeed, like an oisieau, you will fly above the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy while your instructor will explain the history of the place. In addition, you can also admire the different mountains of the Haute Savoie such as the Dents de Lanfon or the Aravis Chain. Quietly, you will fall under the charm of this disappointing region!

Terms and rates

• For an overview1h in ULM of Lake Annecy, plan between 40€ and 200€ .
• The activity is accessible to all types: adults, children and people with reduced mobility.
• This activity takes place every morning and the meeting point is located in the Doussard Landing Area (school reception), the Plaine Route.
• Regardless of the tour operator, you must present yourself 15 minutes before the time schedule set at the landing base. Then we'll explain the security rules and provide you with equipment. Once bet, the more choice you have to go!

Lake Annecy in a few words

Natural gem, Annecy Lake is above all impressive dimensions: 447 meters high, 28 km2 and 82 meters deep! Overlooked by the Tournette (high to 2351 metres above sea level), Lake Annecy is an exceptional place to be preserved and protected. For more than 40 years, many people have been working to protect and respect places in order to preserve this environment of rare beauty.

The Lake of Annecy, which is no longer present, has over the years acquired an international reputation. His fame makes him a must-see tourist place for the followers of the eco-tourism or green tourism. In the midst of a breathtaking landscape, in harmony with the surrounding nature, the Tourist Office has built the shores and offers several activities that delight small and large. On land, at sea or in the air, there are for all tastes: stuffing, swimming, water sports, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, cruises, canyoning... and many more! What are you waiting to let yourself be charmed by this little corner of paradise?